Category: tech-news

In today’s dynamic world, owning a car that accommodates the entire family comfortably is more a necessity than a luxury, especially for families with six or seven members. However, the challenge often lies in finding a vehicle that fits the budget without compromising on quality and features. To aid in this quest, we’ve compiled an insightful guide to the top 5 affordable 7-seater cars available, focusing on their key attributes, pricing, and what makes them stand out in the crowded automotive market.

1. Renault Triber – The Economical Choice for Families

Renault Triber has made a name for itself in the Indian market as the most budget-friendly Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV). What sets the Triber apart is its efficient 1-liter petrol engine, capable of delivering 71bhp and 96Nm. This engine pairs with either a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), providing a balance of power and ease of driving. Notably, the Triber has been awarded a 4-star safety rating by Global NCAP, making it a safe choice for families. With a starting price of INR 6.34 lakh (ex-showroom), the Renault Triber stands as an attractive option for those seeking affordability without sacrificing quality.

2/3. Maruti Suzuki Eritga & Toyota Rumion – The Popular and Versatile Twins

Maruti Suzuki Eritga and Toyota Rumion, two vehicles based on the same platform, have become the go-to choice for many Indian families. Both these MPVs are equipped with a robust 1.5-liter petrol engine, which produces 102bhp and 136.8Nm, offering a smooth and powerful driving experience. These cars come with the option of a 5-speed manual or a more advanced 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, featuring paddle shifters for an enhanced driving experience. The Eritga starts at a price point of INR 8.64 lakh, while the Toyota Rumion begins at INR 10.29 lakh (ex-showroom), making both vehicles a worthwhile investment for those seeking a blend of performance, space, and comfort.

4/5. Mahindra Bolero and Bolero Neo – The Rugged and Reliable Companions

The Mahindra Bolero and Bolero Neo offer a distinct approach to the 7-seater segment, bringing a rugged charm coupled with practicality. The Bolero Neo, a body-on-frame SUV, stands as one of the most affordable 7-seater diesel SUVs in India. It’s equipped with a 1.5-liter diesel engine paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, delivering 99bhp and 260Nm. Priced starting at INR 9.63 lakh (ex-showroom), the Bolero Neo is an ideal pick for those who value durability and a strong road presence.

On the other hand, the Mahindra Bolero features the efficient mHawk D75 1.5-liter diesel engine, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. This engine produces a power output of 76PS and 210Nm, offering a reliable performance. Starting at INR 9.78 lakh (ex-showroom), the Bolero is designed for those who seek a no-nonsense, sturdy vehicle that can handle both city roads and rough terrains with ease.

In a momentous celebration of its 100th anniversary, MG Motor India has announced a new price list for its 2024 model lineup. Among the highlights is a significant reduction of INR 1 lakh in the price of the 2-door electric car, MG Comet EV, now available at INR 6.99 lakh, down from its previous price of INR 7.98 lakh. Additionally, other models like MG Hector, Astor, and Gloster SUVs see price adjustments, now priced at INR 14.94 lakh, INR 9.98 lakh, and INR 37.49 lakh, respectively.

Unveiling the New Variant: MG ZS EV Executive Trim

Beyond price adjustments, MG Motor India introduces the Executive Trim in its MG ZS EV model lineup, with a showroom price of INR 18.98 lakh. This unveiling is a part of the elaborate festivities marking MG Motor India’s completion of a century. The ZS EV boasts a 50.3kWh prismatic cell battery, providing an impressive range of 461 kilometers on a single charge. On the other hand, the MG Comet EV features a 17.3kWh battery pack, offering an ARAI-certified range of 230 kilometers.

MG Shield 360: A Continuing Benefit for MG Vehicle Buyers

Customers purchasing MG vehicles will continue to benefit from MG Shield 360, presenting a comprehensive package inclusive of a five-year warranty, five years of hassle-free services, five years of roadside assistance, and various other perks. MG Motor India boasts a network of over 300 outlets nationwide, ensuring accessibility and support for its customers.

Major Investments on the Horizon

In a bold move towards its ambitious plans for India, MG Motor has crafted a five-year roadmap entailing an investment of approximately INR 5,000 crores. This initiative includes the launch of five new products, the establishment of a second manufacturing facility, and the setup of a battery assembly plant. The majority of MG’s upcoming offerings will be electric vehicles, with the aim of achieving 65-75% EV sales in India by 2028. A new manufacturing plant in Gujarat is in the works, increasing production capacity from 120,000 to 300,000 units. Furthermore, the company is contemplating investments in advanced and clean technologies, including hydrogen fuel cells and EV cell manufacturing.

Skoda, under the umbrella of the Volkswagen Group, is set to make a significant entry into the sub-4-meter SUV segment in the next few years. According to a recent media report, the new Skoda Compact SUV is slated to hit the Indian market in 2025. This model marks the first step under the India 2.5 Plan by the Volkswagen Group, designed for both the domestic and export markets.

Facing the Competition

The upcoming Skoda Compact SUV is gearing up to compete with popular models such as the Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, and Mahindra XUV300 in the Indian market. Being manufactured locally allows the company to introduce it aggressively at a competitive price point.

Features Borrowed from Kushaq

The production of the new Skoda Compact SUV is expected to commence in India by January 2025. It will be based on a slightly updated version of the MQB A0 IN platform, shared with Skoda Kushaq, Slavia, Volkswagen Taigun, and Virtus. Apart from the platform, there’s a possibility of incorporating various components and features from larger models into the sub-4-meter SUV. This includes similar seats, suspension setup, infotainment unit, and other notable features seen in the Kushaq.

Powertrain Options

Currently, Skoda offers two engine options—a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine. The new Skoda Compact SUV might feature the 120PS, 1.0L turbo petrol engine with the option of a manual or torque converter automatic gearbox. Skoda may also provide an option for a larger engine for this compact SUV. While Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Jimny Lifestyle SUV also come with a 1.5-liter petrol engine, they do not enjoy any tax benefits.

Launch and Export Plans

The production of the Skoda Compact SUV is expected to kick off in India, and it may hit the global market, including selective international markets like Mexico and Africa, along with certain Southeast Asian markets like Vietnam. The global debut of this new Compact SUV is anticipated to take place in January or February 2025.

Are you on the lookout for a job in the banking sector? Look no further; you can apply for various positions at Punjab National Bank (PNB). The bank is inviting applications from eligible candidates for over a thousand Specialist Officer positions. If you possess the required qualifications and the desire to excel in these roles, you can fill out the application form on the official website. Let’s delve into the essential details related to these job opportunities.

Link Opens on this Date

The application process for PNB’s Specialist Officer positions will commence on February 7, 2024, and the deadline for applying is February 25, 2024. Ensure to submit your forms in the format provided before this specified date. This recruitment drive aims to fill a total of 1025 positions.

Vacancy Details

Let’s explore the specifics of these job openings:

Officer Credit – 1000 positions

Manager – Forex – 15 positions

Manager – Cyber Security – 5 positions

Senior Manager – Cyber Security – 5 positions

Who Can Apply

Eligibility criteria vary for each position. It’s advisable to check the detailed notice on the website for accurate information. Qualifications may range from a Bachelor’s in Engineering (BE) to an MBA, depending on the position. The age limit is between 21 to 38 years, depending on the specific job role.

Selection Process

Candidates for these positions will undergo selection through a written examination. The exact exam date is yet to be announced, but it is anticipated to be conducted in March/April. Stay updated by visiting the official website at pnbindia.in for timely information. Applications can also be submitted through the same platform.

Fees and Salary Information

To apply, candidates from the General category are required to pay a fee of INR 1180 plus GST, while SC, ST, PwBD candidates need to pay INR 59 plus GST. The salary, upon selection, will be as per the respective job roles, ranging from INR 36,000 to INR 78,000 per month.

Don’t miss out on this excellent opportunity to embark on a rewarding career path with Punjab National Bank. Apply now and pave the way for a bright future in the banking industry!

In a recent turn of events, Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL) has clarified that it is not in talks with One97 Communications, the parent company of Paytm, to acquire Paytm’s wallet business. The speculations around Jio Financial’s negotiation for a deal with Paytm have been debunked, and the company has vehemently denied any ongoing discussions related to acquiring Paytm’s wallet business.

Setting the Record Straight

Contrary to the buzzing rumors about billionaire tycoon Mukesh Ambani’s JFSL making significant strides in business with a 14% surge in its shares due to potential acquisition talks of Paytm’s wallet business, Jio Financial Services Limited has made it clear late on Monday that it is not engaging in any discussions with One97 Communications for the purchase of Paytm’s wallet business.

JFSL’s Late-Night Regulatory Filing

In a late-night regulatory filing, JFSL stated, “We clarify that the news is speculative, and we are not in any discussions about it.” The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) had requested comments from Jio Financial regarding reports claiming negotiations with One97 for acquiring Paytm’s wallet business.

Unraveling the Paytm Payments Bank Crisis

On January 31, the Reserve Bank of India issued an order directing Paytm Payments Bank Limited not to accept deposits or top-ups in any customer accounts, prepaid instruments, wallets, and fast-tags after February 29, 2024. According to RBI’s order, customers of Paytm wallet can continue using it until their balance is exhausted, but they won’t be able to add money after February 29. If RBI’s stance remains firm, top-ups for Paytm wallet will be suspended, and transactions through it will be restricted. RBI had earlier, on March 11, 2022, halted new customer registrations for Paytm Payments Bank.

Continuous Decline in Paytm Shares

Since the news broke on January 31 about the Reserve Bank of India considering the cancellation of Paytm Payments Bank’s banking license, there has been a continuous decline in Paytm’s share value. In three consecutive trading sessions on February 1, 2, and 5, Paytm’s shares experienced lower circuits. Since RBI imposed a ban on banking services due to non-compliance by Paytm Payments Bank, the shares have witnessed a drastic 42% decline in just three days, resulting in a loss of ₹20,500 crores for Paytm investors.

Jio Financial’s Remarkable Leap

After the news surfaced regarding Jio Financial’s potential acquisition of Paytm’s wallet business, JFSL’s shares witnessed a spectacular jump of 14% on the BSE, closing at ₹289. Jio Financial’s shares had been listed on stock exchanges last year after separating from the main unit of Reliance Industries Limited.

Assurances from Paytm CEO

Despite the regulatory challenges and uncertainties, Paytm’s CEO, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, reassures users that the Paytm app will continue to operate as usual even after February 29. He emphasized this point in a recent post and blog on Paytm’s website, stating that their UPI services will continue to function normally as the company collaborates with other banks to keep it running.

Introduction

In a groundbreaking move, Ola Electric has launched the S1X electric scooter equipped with a robust 4kWh battery pack. Promising an impressive range of up to 190 kilometers on a single charge, the Ola S1X stands only 5 kilometers shy of its top-spec Gen-2 S1 Pro counterpart. The battery takes approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes to reach a full charge.

Ola S1X Specifications

Deviating from the larger battery pack of the Ola S1X, it retains the sleek design seen in existing models with smaller battery packs. Weighing in at 112 kilograms, the S1X is 4 kilograms heavier than the S1 X with a 3kWh battery pack. Ola is also offering a standard battery warranty of 8 years/80,000 kilometers for electric scooters at no additional cost. Additionally, customers can opt for an extended warranty of 100,000 kilometers for just ₹4,999 or 125,000 kilometers for ₹12,999.

Enhanced Service Centers

In a commitment to customer satisfaction, Ola has announced a significant expansion of its service centers. The company aims to increase its service center count by up to 50%, planning to open 600 service centers across the country by April 2024. Ola Electric is not only focusing on service centers but also has plans to elevate its public charging network from the existing 1,000 chargers to an ambitious 10,000 by June 2024.

Ola S1 Pro in the Indian Market

Apart from the S1X, Ola currently sells models like S1 Pro, S1 Air, and S1 in the Indian market. The S1 Pro Gen 2 boasts a range of 195 kilometers per charge, accelerating from 0 to 40 kilometers per hour in just 2.6 seconds. With a top speed of 120 kilometers per hour, this electric scooter is available in a single variant and offers five color options. The showroom price for the S1 Pro is ₹1.43 lakhs.

In a recent development, Paytm’s CEO, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, found himself amidst a whirlwind of challenges as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed stringent restrictions on the popular digital wallet and banking service provider. Here’s an in-depth look at the unfolding scenario and the subsequent actions taken by Paytm to address these regulatory concerns.

Navigating Regulatory Challenges: Paytm Faces RBI Heat

The recent encounter between Vijay Shekhar Sharma and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman shed light on the growing concerns surrounding Paytm’s compliance with RBI regulations. Despite the mounting pressure, government sources revealed that the Finance Minister iterated the government’s stance on the matter: there would be no intervention in the ongoing regulatory proceedings between Paytm and the RBI.

RBI’s Directive: Implications for Paytm

The RBI’s directive, issued last week, dealt a significant blow to Paytm’s operations, leading to a dramatic plunge in its shares by over 40%. The regulatory order mandated Paytm to halt its digital wallet services, deposits, and credit products, prompting the company to swiftly enter damage control mode.

Engagement with Regulatory Authorities

In an attempt to address the regulatory hurdles, Vijay Shekhar Sharma engaged in discussions with both Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and RBI officials. However, the outcome of these discussions remains uncertain, as Paytm strives to navigate the complex regulatory landscape and restore compliance with RBI guidelines.

RBI’s Firm Stance: Actions Against Paytm

The RBI’s actions against Paytm included the prohibition of Paytm Payments Bank Ltd from accepting deposits or facilitating credit transactions after February 29. Additionally, the termination of nodal accounts linked to Paytm’s parent company, One97 Communications Ltd, further exacerbated the situation, signaling the gravity of the regulatory non-compliance.

Reassuring Customers Amidst Uncertainty

As Paytm grapples with the aftermath of RBI’s restrictions, concerns regarding the safety of customers’ funds have surfaced. Despite assurances from Paytm Payments Bank regarding the security of deposited funds, the inability to make further deposits beyond February 29 raises apprehensions among users.

Way Forward: Paytm’s Commitment to Resolution

In response to the regulatory upheaval, Vijay Shekhar Sharma reaffirmed Paytm’s commitment to resolving the issues at hand. With ongoing discussions with regulatory authorities and a pledge to comply with RBI directives, Paytm aims to emerge stronger from this challenging period while ensuring minimal disruption to its services.

Motorola, the renowned American smartphone company, has been on a spree of launching numerous budget smartphones in recent months. Among these, the company has introduced several impressive smartphones in the budget segment. One such smartphone, whose first sale commenced on February 7, 2024, is the Moto G24 Power. With a plethora of attractive specifications, it’s evident that this device falls into the mid-range smartphone category despite its price being lower than 10,000 INR.

Variants and Pricing

Motorola has introduced the Moto G24 Power in two variants. The first variant comes with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage, priced at 8,999 INR. The second variant offers 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, priced slightly higher at 9,999 INR. The phone is available for purchase starting February 7, 2024, on Flipkart. As a part of the launch offer, users may avail themselves of a 750 INR exchange bonus on this phone.

Display and Performance

Featuring a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display with HD+ resolution, the Moto G24 Power ensures a visually immersive experience. The display boasts a 90Hz refresh rate, enhancing smoothness and responsiveness. Powering the device is the MediaTek Helio G85 processor, coupled with Mali G52 GPU for seamless graphics performance. Running on the MyUX based on Android 14, Motorola promises an upgrade to Android 15 and three years of Android security and patch updates.

Camera and Battery

The rear panel of the phone houses a dual-camera setup, led by a 50MP primary camera with an f/1.8 aperture. Additionally, a 2MP macro camera sensor and an LED flash are also included. On the front, nestled within a centered hole-punch cutout, sits a 16MP front camera, catering to selfies and video calls.

Motorola has equipped the Moto G24 Power with a massive 6000mAh battery, a rarity in smartphones today. This substantial battery capacity ensures prolonged usage after a single charge. Moreover, users can swiftly recharge their devices with the 30W fast charger once the battery runs low. Other notable features of the phone include dual SIM support, 4G connectivity, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, and a 3.5mm audio jack.